Ninth International Conference on Health, Wellness & Society

Abstract

This process evaluation was conducted on a multimedia digital art course for older adults at an independent living facility. Smartphones were used for photography, photo editing, digital scrapbooking, videography, and augmented reality (AR). This process evaluation aimed to identify the opportunities and challenges of this pilot course as an addition to existing programming. It aimed to determine if the pilot course was suitable and enjoyable for participants and volunteers, run efficiently, and capable of advancing the mission of the primary arts in health organizations involved. Additionally, it proposed best practices for multimedia digital art courses with older adults in the future. This process evaluation was conducted with a mixed methods approach, pragmatic worldview, convergent parallel mixed methods design, and inductive content analysis methodology. It was found that the course was practical and enjoyable for participants, accelerated the shifting of the digital divide, connected multiple generations, and enhanced the joy of lifelong learning. Opportunities for improvement were identified by both participants and facilitators, and best practices have begun to emerge for future multimedia digital art courses.